Player News

Brewers manager Ron Roenick said that Ryan Braun's thumb is no longer a concern.

Braun underwent thumb surgery in October and has been on the mend ever since. He appears to be fully recovered. Braun will be ready for Opening Day. As long as he's healthy, he remains one of the best hitters in the game. The thumb issue is one to watch during the season, but for now, he appears good to go.

Mariners re-signed LHP Joe Saunders and OF Franklin Gutierrez to minor league deals.

Both Saunders and Gutierrez were set to make $100,000 retention bonuses, but with the new contracts, the Mariners avoided paying out these bonuses. Saunders put up a 6.70 ERA over 43 innings in the majors last season and has struggled this spring. Barring a turnaround in the minors, he's not likely to see much action with the Mariners in 2015.

OF Endy Chavez has opted out of his minor league contract with the Mariners.

Chavez is a free agent now. While he struggled with the bat in spring training (.190/.292/.238), he is a versatile defender capable of handling all three outfield spots. He also provides a speed element for teams looking for a bench piece.

Tropeano was in contention for the final spot in the Angels' rotation, battling with Andrew Heaney, but for the time being, it appears that the team will go with a four-man set. The righty put up decent numbers this spring (3.48 ERA in 10+ innings). He could find himself back in the rotation mix once the Angels need another starter.

Mike Adams told reporters that he will begin the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The Dodgers will pay Adams a $100,000 retention bonus. Adams has battled shoulder injuries over the last two season. This spring, he's allowed five runs in 4+ innings. "Health-wise I've been good. I haven't had any outings I've felt bad at all. I've just been inconsistent with performance," said Adams. The team is going slow with him because of his injury history, but if he's able to prove his health, he could serve as bullpen depth later in the season.

Rangers manager Jeff Banister said that Ryan Rua had been awarded the starting left field job out of spring training.

Rua's spring numbers back it up, as he hit .302/.351/.509 with a homer, two triples and nine RBI during spring games prior to the final decision. With the starting job locked up, Rua is an interesting player for deeper AL-only drafts. He slashed .306/.378/.488 in the minors last season and also contributed at the major league level.

Johnson would have made $900,000 from the Rangers if he had made the team. Johnson's hit just .194/.350/.290 in 31 at-bats this spring. Those numbers aren't too far off of his career numbers, but he offers some speed and versatility.